What is the cost of living in Elsmere, DE?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Elsmere has an overall cost of living index of 101, which is 1.0x higher than the national index of 100.
Compared to Delaware, Elsmere has a cost of living index that's 1.0x lower than Delaware's index of 105.
The standard of living in Elsmere ranks as #3 most affordable out of the 19 places we measured in Delaware. By definition, that implies Elsmere ranks as the #16 most expensive place in the First State.
For more reading on life in Elsmere, check out:
Elsmere Cost Of Living Vs. Delaware
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Elsmere. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Elsmere is 100.
The Groceries index in Elsmere is 100.
The Health index in Elsmere is 101.
The Housing index in Elsmere is 97.
The Transportation index in Elsmere is 104.
The Utilities index in Elsmere is 105.
| Living Expense | Elsmere | Delaware | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 101 | 105 | 100 |
| Services | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 102 | 100 |
| Health | 101 | 121 | 100 |
| Housing | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 102 | 100 |
| Utilities | 105 | 103 | 100 |
Elsmere Cost Of Living Compared To Delaware Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Delaware, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Elsmere Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Elsmere, DE Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Delaware, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Elsmere is $239,941.
The Median Rent in Elsmere is $1,339.
The Median Income in Elsmere is $67,944.
The Home Value To Income in Elsmere is 3.5x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Elsmere is 0.24x.
Elsmere, DE Costs By Category
Detailed Elsmere Services costs vs. Delaware
Detailed Elsmere Groceries costs vs. Delaware
Detailed Elsmere Health costs vs. Delaware
Detailed Elsmere Transportation costs vs. Delaware
Elsmere SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Elsmere
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Elsmere. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Wilmington, DE has a cost of living index of 98, 1.0x Elsmere.
West Chester, PA has a cost of living index of 128, 1.3x Elsmere.
Hockessin, DE has a cost of living index of 143, 1.4x Elsmere.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Elsmere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DE | 71,727 | 98 | 1.0x |
| West Chester, PA | 20,666 | 128 | 1.3x |
| Hockessin, DE | 13,439 | 143 | 1.4x |
| Pike Creek Valley, DE | 12,431 | 110 | 1.1x |
| Woodlyn, PA | 9,736 | 98 | 1.0x |
| Village Green-Green Ridge, PA | 9,073 | 111 | 1.1x |
| Folsom, PA | 8,671 | 107 | 1.1x |
| Wilmington Manor, DE | 8,214 | 101 | 1.0x |
| Ridley Park, PA | 7,261 | 104 | 1.0x |
| Pike Creek, DE | 7,129 | 127 | 1.3x |
